Kentucky Speedway's Bruton Smith elected to NASCAR Hall

Bruton Smith, owner of Speedway Motorsports Inc., which owns Kentucky Speedway, during a visit to the track in June of 2013.(Photo11: The Enquirer/Patrick Reddy)

Speedway Motorsports, Inc. executive chairman Bruton Smith is among a group of five elected Wednesday to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Smith's reaction, via Kentucky Speedway's release, was as follows:

"When I found out that I was nominated, I realized how much this meant to my family and the 15,000 employees that work for my companies. Now I realize how much it means to me. It will truly be an honor to be remembered at the Hall of Fame along with people like Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty, Glen Wood, Junior Johnson, Darrell Waltrip and so many others who helped build this sport. That's what I've tried to do my entire life. I'm a frustrated builder who had a knack for promoting races, and it's been fun to always try to push the sport to greater heights for the fans. From the first World 600, I've always wanted the fans to leave with something spectacular to remember about their experience. Even if they don't remember who won the race, I want them to remember the pre-race show and having the time of their lives. I want fans to know we're always working to build the best facilities for them and that's who I really owe this recognition to. The millions of fans who've attended our race tracks all of these years are the ones who really deserve to be in the Hall of Fame. They've built the sport right along with us, and I want to sincerely say thank you to them and the voting committee."

Smith also has been inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame (2007), National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame (2006) and Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame (2008), according to Kentucky Speedway.

Kentucky Speeedway general manager Mark Simendinger's statement on Smith's election to the NASCAR Hall of Fame:

"On behalf of all the employees at Kentucky Speedway, we are thrilled that Bruton Smith has been elected to the 2016 Class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. That is the highest honor in our sport and there is no one more deserving. One of the greatest days in our region's sports history occurred when Bruton Smith's, Speedway Motorsports, Inc., purchased us. His unparalleled energy and vision has resulted in one of America's truly great speedways. We are grateful for all he has done and wish him our heartiest congratulations."